Video: Guilty verdict in UW arson case

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TACOMA, Wash. - A jury has found Briana Waters guilty of two counts of arson in the 2001 burning of the University of Washington's Center for Urban Horticulture by members of the Earth Liberation Front. She's accused of acting as the lookout when the ELF during the fire, which cost the university $7 million.

The jury was deadlocked on three of the five charges against Waters.

Still, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Bartlett says the case was a success now that more than a dozen people involved have been brought to justice.

"I think it sends an incredibly strong message, and that is, when you choose to become involved in these types of eco-terrorist activities, you may get away for awhile, but eventually...we'll track you down and you will be held accountable," said Bartlett,

The 32-year-old from Oakland, Calif., would face a mandatory minimum 35 years in prison if convicted on all counts for her role in the 2001 arson.

The dean of UW's forestry program says the verdict closes a painful chapter of the school's history.

"Recent fires on the eastside brought back some pretty raw emotions for our faculty and staff at the center because it made us all aware that all of us are vulnerable until these types of activities are eliminated from society," said Bruce Bare.

Waters' attorneys plan to appeal. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors say they'll decide within a week whether to re-try her on three other charges on which the jury deadlocked.

One juror says the deadlock was not a case of just one person holding out, saying that it was frustrating and a very emotional thing for a lot of people.

He also said one factor that played into the decision was what would happen to Waters' three-year-old daughter.  One of the charges the jury deadlocked on would have brought a mandatory 30-year sentence.

The verdict has certainly proved emotional as well for Waters' friends and family.

"This person has been convicted of a crime she didn't commit.  We attribute it to an atmosphere of fear that was created partly by the fire that took place this weekend, and in good part by some of the evidence that was presented by the prosecutor," said Robert Bloom, Waters' attorney.

A hearing next week will determine if she'll be released on bail until her May 30 sentencing.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)